you're just imagining it
- November 5, 2024
- npckc
Get on Steam"You're Just Imagining It" is a simulation game that depicts the experience of living with chronic pain and the struggle to get a diagnosis. Players must manage their stressful schedule and endure dismissive doctors, all while trying to maintain some semblance of a normal life. The game features a minimalist soundtrack and can be completed in around 30 minutes. Please note, this game is not meant to be medical advice.
Mac OS
PC
Web Browser
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game provides a powerful and relatable experience for those dealing with chronic illness, effectively capturing the frustrations of navigating the healthcare system.
- It's a short, free game (approximately 15-20 minutes) that delivers a meaningful message about the struggles of seeking a diagnosis for chronic pain.
- The art style and music contribute to the emotional impact, making it a cathartic experience for players who have faced similar challenges.
- The gameplay is simplistic and may not be engaging for those looking for a traditional gaming experience, as it focuses more on narrative than interactivity.
- Some players found the experience to be distressing and emotionally heavy, which may not be suitable for everyone.
- The game does not explore what happens after a diagnosis, leaving some players wanting more depth in the narrative.
- story11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story is deeply resonant and personal, drawing from real-life experiences related to illness and diagnosis, which some players find both relatable and uncomfortable. While it may be considered more of a narrative experience than a traditional game, its emotional weight and poignant themes make it a compelling, albeit depressing, journey that players should approach with caution. Overall, it is praised for its authenticity and the impactful message it conveys.
“Every damn day... the story resonates, and it's a gift to hear from a developer with personal experience.”
“This is a story based on real-life tribulations, and it can be uncomfortable, but my diagnosis is that it's a story worth telling.”
“It's not much of a 'game', it's more of a simple story about something real when it comes to illness diagnosis.”
“The story is very depressing and the interactions with the doctors hit the nail on the head.”
“The story is nonetheless very depressing and you should only play if you're okay playing a story where the main character suffers a lot.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game resonates deeply with players, particularly those with chronic illnesses, as it evokes feelings of being seen and understood in their struggles. Many users report experiencing catharsis and tears, highlighting the game's ability to reflect the frustrations of navigating healthcare and managing symptoms. Overall, it offers a comforting and relatable experience for those facing similar challenges.
“As a person with an unspecified chronic illness, it finally made me feel seen; it perfectly reflects how most doctors react when faced with a person with rare diseases and how tiring managing symptoms can be.”
“I suffer with chronic illness, and this game made me feel just a bit more seen; and it was comforting in that way.”
“It made me feel and gave me a bitter catharsis.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a brief yet engaging experience, lasting 15-20 minutes and offered for free. It combines visual novel elements with stat management mechanics, allowing players to choose between working, resting, and other activities, while effectively conveying the emotional weight of chronic pain through its unique gameplay features. The memorable music track enhances the overall experience, making it both cathartic and relatable.
“The gameplay is sufficient with a memorable music track.”
“I like the combination of the typical visual novel-style gameplay with managing your stats.”
“A stat management simulator with simple mechanics: you pick between either working or resting for a week, and then between working, resting, playing, or seeing a doctor on the weekend.”
“As someone who has had an experience nowhere near as bad but still annoying with the medical system in regards to chronic pain, this game felt very cathartic. Small game mechanics like sometimes your pain meter going up instead of down when resting are just, yeah, it is like that; sometimes you just wake up in more pain than you fell asleep with.”
“15-20 minutes of gameplay, and it is free.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their charming and cute aesthetic, contributing significantly to the game's overall style. Players appreciate the unique art style and formatting, which enhances the appeal of the game.
“The graphics are cute and give the game a lot of style.”
“Npckc just makes good games, and has a charming art style and way of formatting them.”
“I love serious games with a cutesy aesthetic.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highlighted as memorable, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
“The gameplay is enhanced by a memorable music track that stays with you long after playing.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, making every moment feel more immersive.”
“The music is not just background noise; it elevates the entire gaming experience and keeps you engaged.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users find the grinding aspect of the game to be engaging and efficient, effectively illustrating the often tedious journey toward obtaining a diagnosis.
